We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Matthew Belter a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Matthew thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. What do you think Corporate America gets wrong in your industry? Any stories or anecdotes that illustrate why this matters?
To undervalue creatives and their immense contributions is a grievous oversight that has haunted our industry for far too long. There’s this widespread misconception that taking pictures is child’s play, and thus, photographers are often compensated as such. Let me set the record straight—this is pure fallacy! The art of photography is far more than merely clicking a button and submitting files for publication.
Think about it: there’s travel time to consider, which often isn’t a quick jaunt down the street but miles of dedication. Parking costs? They’re no trivial matter. The actual on-site time is a complex dance of capturing the perfect moment, not just a fleeting instant. And let’s not forget the intricate nature of the photoshoot itself, which demands an artist’s eye and precision. Then, there’s the painstaking editing process, where each image is crafted to perfection. And, of course, the high-grade professional gear doesn’t come cheap or maintain itself.
When you add up these elements, it’s crystal clear—this isn’t a weekend hobby deserving mere pocket change. This is a profession, a true calling that demands respect and proper compensation. It’s time we recognize and honor the boundless passion and skill that photographers bring to the table.
Matthew, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
I dived headfirst into live music photography fueled by an insatiable passion for both music and capturing moments through my lens. From a young age, I was electrified by these two art forms, but blending them seemed like an enigma wrapped in a mystery. I needed guidance to turn this dream into a reality.
Enter John Anderson, known to many as ‘Hot Tub Johnny’ of Hunnypot Unlimited, introduced to me by a fraternity brother. John saw something in me—a flicker of potential that I hadn’t even recognized myself. He welcomed me into his club in Los Angeles, providing the perfect playground to hone the intricate craft of live music photography.
In John’s ‘incubator,’ I immersed myself in the vibrant world of live shows, experimenting, learning, and evolving with every click of the shutter. The space he provided wasn’t just a venue; it was a sanctuary for creativity and growth. And from those initial steps, a lifelong journey was born. The rest, as they say, is history.
Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?
When I embarked on my journey into live music photography, legendary photographer Neil Zlozower hit me with a dose of reality right from the start. He laid it out plain and clear: “This business is a tough nut to crack, and making real money? That’s an uphill battle”. Neil told me that if I wanted any shot at success, I’d need to carve out my own path and define what ‘success’ meant on my own terms.
That conversation with Neil was a seismic moment for me. It shook me to my core, making me question everything I thought I knew. But it also left an indelible mark on my soul, shaping the photographer—and businessman—that I am today. Zloz might not even realize it, but his generosity and wisdom became the bedrock upon which I built my career. I’ll never forget those words, and I am forever grateful for the impact they had on my life.
Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?
At this stage in my career, I’ve found immense joy in giving back to the community and guiding others as they embark on their own journeys into live music photography. As the Executive Editor for Hunnypot Unlimited and Regional Editor for The Vinyl District, I’m privileged to collaborate with an extraordinary group of creatives. Every day, I have the opportunity to coach and develop these talented individuals, while also learning from them in ways that continually fuel my passion.
Inspired by one of my early influences, Matthias Hombauer, I am driven to give back to the community as much as I’ve received. It’s about paying it forward, helping others realize their dreams just as I have. Seeing someone catch that spark and watching it ignite into a blazing fire of creativity and success—that’s what it’s all about. This isn’t just work; it’s a mission, a calling, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.iceboxphoto.com
- Instagram: @iceboxphoto156
- Facebook: @mattyb156
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-belter-3689173/
- Twitter: @iceboxphoto156
